US10483790B2 - System and method for charging autonomously powered devices using variable power source - Google Patents

System and method for charging autonomously powered devices using variable power source Download PDF

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US10483790B2
US10483790B2 US15/735,973 US201615735973A US10483790B2 US 10483790 B2 US10483790 B2 US 10483790B2 US 201615735973 A US201615735973 A US 201615735973A US 10483790 B2 US10483790 B2 US 10483790B2
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battery
charging
charge
assembly
current
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US20180175661A1 (en
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John Tuerk
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Clear Blue Technologies Inc
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/35—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/22—Sockets or holders for poles or posts
    • E04H12/2253—Mounting poles or posts to the holder
    • E04H12/2261—Mounting poles or posts to the holder on a flat base
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/24—Cross arms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/007—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
    • H02J7/00712—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage the cycle being controlled or terminated in response to electric parameters
    • H02J7/0077—
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/02—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
    • H02J7/04—Regulation of charging current or voltage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S10/00—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power
    • H02S10/10—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power including a supplementary source of electric power, e.g. hybrid diesel-PV energy systems
    • H02S10/12—Hybrid wind-PV energy systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S10/00—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power
    • H02S10/20—Systems characterised by their energy storage means
    • H05B37/02—
    • H05B37/0218—
    • H05B37/0272—
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
    • H05B47/11—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/19—Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/08—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation with a standard
    • F21S8/085—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation with a standard of high-built type, e.g. street light
    • F21S8/086—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation with a standard of high-built type, e.g. street light with lighting device attached sideways of the standard, e.g. for roads and highways
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
    • F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
    • F21S9/03—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light
    • F21S9/035—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light the solar unit being integrated within the support for the lighting unit, e.g. within or on a pole
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
    • F21S9/04—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a generator
    • F21S9/043—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a generator driven by wind power, e.g. by wind turbines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2300/00—Systems for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by decentralized, dispersed, or local generation
    • H02J2300/20—The dispersed energy generation being of renewable origin
    • H02J2300/28—The renewable source being wind energy
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2300/00—Systems for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by decentralized, dispersed, or local generation
    • H02J2300/40—Systems for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by decentralized, dispersed, or local generation wherein a plurality of decentralised, dispersed or local energy generation technologies are operated simultaneously
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/165—Controlling the light source following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
    • Y02B20/40—Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
    • Y02B20/46—
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/76—Power conversion electric or electronic aspects
    • Y02E10/766—

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to self or solar powered light installations, and more particularly autonomously powered installations which incorporate a rechargeable battery and a power generator such as a photovoltaic cell or panel and/or wind turbine for generating battery charging energy.
  • a power generator such as a photovoltaic cell or panel and/or wind turbine for generating battery charging energy.
  • autonomously powered devices such as solar powered light poles, highway and street signs, bike rental installations, parking meters, and the like
  • autonomously powered devices are typically provid a rechargeable battery which stores and supplies electrical power to load devices, such as LED lights, cameras and communication systems.
  • a generation system is provided which is selected to produce and autonomously supply a charging electric current to the battery.
  • autonomously powered devices are typically provided with a solar panel consisting of one or more photovoltaic cells and/or a wind turbine for use in generating electric power.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved solar, wind or other limited or low current powered device, such as a solar powered light pole, traffic or highway sign, parking meter, pump, car or bike charging stand, security camera, electric fence, alarm, or the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as autonomously powered device), which incorporates a rechargeable battery for supplying electrical power to one or more device loads.
  • a charge controller is further provided to control or regulate charging power to the battery to maximize the supply of variable charging power to the battery to maintain the battery at a substantially 100% state of charge during charging cycles, as well as limit detrimental overcharging.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a solar light assembly or other assembly for an autonomously powered device which includes a rechargeable battery, multi-cell battery together with a photovoltaic panel and/or wind turbine for supplying a charging current thereto.
  • the photovoltaic panel and turbine are operable to supply a charging current to the battery which is variable depending upon the season and/or current weather with changes in wind speeds, cloud cover, sun intensity and the like, and which typically ranges between 0 to 30 amps, and typically 15 to 25 amps.
  • the system further includes a charge controller and microprocessor or processing assembly (hereinafter collectively referred to as a central processing unit) (CPU) which is operable in conjunction with program instructions to control the flow of charging current from the photovoltaic panel and/or wind turbine to maintain the battery in a substantially fully charged state of at least 50%, preferably at least 70% to 80% state of charge, and most preferably about a 100% state of charge, over a daily charge and discharge cycle.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the rechargeable battery is a multi-cell, and typically a six cell deep cycle lead acid battery. It is to be appreciated, however, that other types of rechargeable batteries including without restriction nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and lithium ion polymer batteries may also be used.
  • the input energy sources having fluctuating power outputs that can change with seasonal changes such as;
  • Typical batteries such as lead acid battery manufacturer's recommended charge profiles assume a grid connection that provides reliable, stable and ample energy supply. For this reason, the applicant has recognized a differing charging approach is required for an outdoor off-grid power application.
  • modified charging procedures may be adapted based, at least in part, on one or more of the following application assumptions.
  • a suitable rechargeable battery such as lead acid battery that is at 100% state of charge [SOC] is chosen at a given operating temperature [T OP ].
  • SOC state of charge
  • T OP operating temperature
  • Off-grid systems are preferably designed with a large battery capacity versus the available input energy sources.
  • a typical installation preferably has battery capacity [B cap ] capable of supporting the normal daily device load for up to 3 to 5 days. This translates into a typical one day discharge of approximately 20% depth of discharge (DOD) or less.
  • DOD depth of discharge
  • the typical battery manufacturers will specify that the total amount of energy required to recharge the battery is chosen at 105% to 120% of the discharged energy (AH discharge ), and which may be represented by O c %.
  • an initial “Bulk Charge” stage for charging the device battery of a charge profile is selected, whereby battery charge efficiency/acceptance is approximately 100%.
  • battery charge efficiency/acceptance is approximately 100%.
  • V AB [T] a temperature dependent target absorption charge voltage
  • SOC state of charge
  • AH bulk is typically 20% to 60% B cap , preferably ⁇ 40% ⁇ B cap
  • the ratio AH bulk /40% B cap is selected to minimize the overcharge effect of Oc % ⁇ 20% ⁇ B cap .
  • AH absorption Oc % ⁇ ( AH bulk +20% B cap ) ⁇ AH bulk
  • AH absorption Oc % ⁇ ( AH bulk +20% ⁇ B cap ⁇ AH bulk /(40% ⁇ B cap )) ⁇ AH bulk
  • AH absorption AH bulk ⁇ (1.5 ⁇ Oc % ⁇ 1)
  • variable energy sources of off-grid systems By using the normal system design criteria, the operating characteristics of the variable energy sources of off-grid systems and combining it with optimized battery (i.e. lead acid battery) charging objectives, self adaptive charging may be achieved to varying levels of DOD.
  • the charging formula is also independent of battery capacity or the size of the input variable energy source, within normal design practices.
  • the battery capacity B cap will gradually be reduced. This predicated determination can be relied upon to determine a battery capacity factor F B .
  • F B battery capacity factor
  • the typical life cycle of a battery can start at 100% B cap and increase over initial use to 120% and then down to 50% which is considered end of life.
  • the battery capacity for expected discharge capacity is also effected by its operating temperature (T OP ) giving us F B [T].
  • the present invention provides a number of non-limiting aspects, and which include without restriction:
  • a solar light or other autonomously powered assembly comprising: solar light pole and/or other load bearing device including, a rechargeable battery, a light electrically communicating connected to said battery, photovoltaic panel for supplying a charging current to said battery, and a charge controller operable to sense a level of a depth of discharge (DOD) and/or a state of charge (SOC) of said battery and regulate or control a flow of charging current from the photovoltaic panel to the battery, a processing assembly communicating with said charge controller and operable to receive input signals representative of said sensed level of DOD and/or SOC, and to output in response thereto controller control signals for controlling the flow of said charging current, the processing assembly including memory and program instructions, wherein, the memory periodically receiving initial input values representative of an estimated initial battery capacity factor F B for said battery, and a preselected battery target voltage V AB at a selected operating temperature (T selected ), wherein as part of a daily charging and discharge cycle the program instructions being operable whereby, during an initial charge period:
  • the charging current comprises a variable current ranging between about 0 up to 30 amperes, and preferably about 15 to 20 amperes.
  • the rechargeable battery comprises deep cycle lead acid battery comprising a plurality of cells.
  • said light pole is disposed in a geographic location remote from said processing assembly, said light pole further comprising a data transmission assembly electronically communicating with said charge controller, the data transmission assembly being operable to transmit said input signals to said processing assembly and for receiving said controller control signals therefrom.
  • said data transmission assembly comprises a wireless transmission assembly.
  • V AB preselected target battery voltage
  • the light pole further comprises a temperature sensor for sensing an approximate temperature of said battery, said data transmission assembly being operable to transmit data representative of said sensed temperature to said processing assembly.
  • the first intermittent current flow comprises a pulsed current flow having charging pulse width frequency selected at between about 1 ⁇ 4 second and 90 seconds and preferably 1 to 10 seconds.
  • K is selected at between about 1.2 and 1.7, and preferably at about 1.5.
  • control processing unit being operable to send control signals to the charge controller to effect monitoring of battery amp-hour discharge (AH discharge ) up to a next said initial charging period.
  • AH discharge battery amp-hour discharge
  • FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a solar light installation in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a partial schematic view of a solar light pole used in the installation shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating the manner of controlling charging current to the rechargeable battery during a first bulk storage of charging the battery used in the light pole shown in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart illustrating the manner of charging current to the rechargeable battery during a second absorption stage battery charging cycle
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart illustrating the manner of charging current to the rechargeable battery during a third battery float stage charging cycle
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart showing a battery discharge stage under activation of a solar light and/or electrical load
  • FIG. 7 a shows graphically solar power generation variability over a sample charging period characterized by intermittent cloud
  • FIG. 7 b shows graphically solar power generation variability over a sample charging period characterized by mostly sunny.
  • FIG. 7 c shows graphically wind power generation variability over a sample charging period.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a solar light pole installation 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the installation 10 includes an array of solar light poles 12 , a centrally located processing unit (CPU) 14 and a data storage repository 16 .
  • CPU centrally located processing unit
  • the CPU 14 is provided with memory together with software and/or stored program instructions for receiving operational data signals from and providing control signals to the light pole array 12 and/or data storage repository 16 .
  • the light pole array 12 is typically located in a geographic location which is remote from, and which for example may be several kilometers to several thousand kilometers away from the central processing unit 14 .
  • the light pole array 12 , central processing unit 14 and data storage repository 16 are provided in electronic communication with each other, and most preferably electronically communicating by one or more of the Internet, cellular WiFi, or other ZigBee communication networks 18 .
  • the light pole array 12 is illustrated as consisting of a number of autonomously powered light poles 20 .
  • the light poles 20 forming each array 12 may optionally include at least one telecommunications aggregator pole, together with a number of conventional poles.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates best, however, each light pole 20 as preferably including a hollow base 22 and an aluminum column 24 .
  • the base 22 defines a battery compartment 26 which is used to house a rechargeable battery 28 .
  • the battery 28 is provided as one or more electrically coupled individual lead acid batteries 28 , however, other types of batteries and fuel cells may also be used, including without restriction, single or multiple metal ion batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, NiCad batteries and other advanced rechargeable batteries.
  • the column 22 is used to mount above the ground, at least one LED light 30 as an electric load, as well as a low current (typically less than 100 amps) power generation assembly 34 which is used to generate and supply charging electric current to the battery 28 .
  • the power generation assembly 34 preferably includes both at least one solar or photovoltaic panel 36 , and a top mounted wind turbine generator 38 .
  • the power generation assembly 34 is configured to output a maximum peak charging current of approximately 10 to 40 amps, preferably 15 to 30 amps, and most preferably 20 amps, with a minimum duration of 1 second. It is to be appreciated that because of the variable nature of input solar and wind energy, in use, the power generation assembly 34 will typically generate and output charging electric current as a variable current supply.
  • the battery 28 is configured to receive and store charging electric current which is generated by the power generation assembly 34 , and supplies a discharge electric current to the LED lights 30 a , 30 b.
  • At least one charge controller 40 is provided in either direct electrical communication with the battery 28 , or in the case where the battery 28 has an internal battery management system wired or wireless communication. As will be described, the charge controller 40 is operable to sense the level of the depth of electric discharge (DOD) and/or the state of electric charge (SOC) of the battery 28 , and further to regulate the flow of charging current from the power generation assembly 34 to the battery 28 .
  • DOD depth of electric discharge
  • SOC state of electric charge
  • the power generation assembly 34 typically outputs a charging current to the battery 28 as a variable current.
  • charging current output by the power generation assembly 34 may vary over time ranging from 0 to 30 amps, depending on cloud cover and wind speed.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates schematically variability and current output for a typical 200 to 400 w, and preferably a 250 w, rated solar panel.
  • a battery temperature sensor 44 may be housed within the interior battery storage compartment 26 , and which is operable to provide data as to the temperature of the battery 28 and/or compartment 26 , and as well ambient temperature.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates best each light pole 20 as further including a data transmission assembly 48 .
  • the data transmission assembly 48 is provided in electronic communication with the light 30 or other load, solar panel 36 , turbine generator 38 and/or with the charge controller 40 , and is operable to both receive therefrom electronic signals indicating the sensed level of DOD and/or SOC of the battery 28 , and to transmit such signals to the CPU 14 . More preferably, the transmission assembly 48 is configured to receive from the CPU 14 charge controller control signals which are communicated to the controller 40 to control and/or regulate the flow of charging current from the power generation assembly 34 to the battery 28 , in response to transmitted output battery DOD and/or SOC and temperature signals.
  • the data transmission assembly 48 further continuously receives from the battery temperature sensor 44 data indicating the ongoing temperature of the battery 28 and/or compartment 26 .
  • the data transmission assembly 48 most preferably substantially continuously or periodically transmits temperature as well as DOD and/or SOC signals to the CPU 14 for input and/or storage in memory.
  • FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate a preferred method of controlling the charging current from the power generation assembly 34 to the rechargeable battery 28 during a daily charging and nighttime discharging cycle.
  • initial input baseline values are stored in the CPU memory which are representative of a selected individual light pole battery 28 parameters.
  • Initial input baseline values most preferably include an initial battery capacity factor (F B ) for the selected light pole battery 28 .
  • the estimated initial battery factor F B is selected as a value ranging from 50% and 120%, wherein a lowest value of 50% represents a battery chosen as of about the end of its projected working lifespan, with a value of 100% representing a newly installed battery 28 with an anticipated 100% storage capacity.
  • the initial battery capacity factor (F B ) is selected as a value in direct linear relationship to the age of the battery having regard to a manufacture's warranted or projected battery lifespan at a target operating temperature. More preferably, a historically observed battery capacity factor (F B ) is determined based on the historical temperature, discharge and/or recharge performance of the specific or similar batteries at a particular geographic location.
  • a preselected battery target voltage (V AB ), at a given operating temperature (T OP ) is further input into memory.
  • the battery target voltage (V AB ) is typically chosen as the manufacturer recommended charging voltage for the individual battery 28 , and which is selected to optimize battery performance. It is envisioned that periodically, users update the input baseline values, as for example, to provide a revised battery capacity factor (F B ) which reflects battery wear and/or usage, and/or to provide an updated battery target voltage (V AB ) following battery replacement.
  • updates to the baseline input values would be effected on a monthly or yearly basis. In a preferred embodiment, updates to such values could be automated by the CPU 14 on a preset time schedule basis.
  • an initial battery charging period ( 100 ) is undertaken.
  • primary initial charging occurs with sunrise wherein the CPU 14 is operated to input into memory an initial bulk energy charge (AH bulk ).
  • the input initial bulk energy charge (AH bulk ) is selected as representative of the cumulative charging current over time which is required to charge the battery 28 to the preselected battery target voltage (V AB ).
  • the CPU 14 next calculates a target energy input (AH projected ).
  • the CPU 14 is operated to output control signals to the charge controller 40 to effect a second stage charging of battery 28 by the power generation assembly 34 .
  • the CPU 14 outputs control signals to the charge controller 40 to regulate the flow of charging current from the power generation assembly 34 to the battery 28 as a first intermittent or pulsed current flow.
  • the first intermittent current flow is characterised by interrupted or sequential charging periods, with periods of current charging supplied by the power generation assembly 34 in a duration chosen to substantially maintain the battery 28 charged at the preselected target voltage (V AB ) [T], having regard to the sensed temperature (T OP ) of the battery 28 .
  • the charge controller 40 operates to sense and detect the actual battery voltage (V BAT ), as the specific interval.
  • V BAT is found to equal [V AB ]T, second stage charging commences.
  • the CPU 14 processor calculates and inputs into memory, an absorption energy charge (AH Ab ), calculated as the cumulative charging energy input into the battery 28 up to the point where AH projected is reached
  • the CPU 14 When the calculated absorption charge (AH Ab ) is further determined as equaling the target energy input (AH projected ), the CPU 14 outputs further control signals to the charge controller 40 to modify the flow of charging current from the power generation assembly 34 to the battery 28 into a second intermittent current flow as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the second intermittent current flow is characterized by a sequential or intermittent current charging periods which are selected to maintain the battery 28 charged at a target float voltage (V float ) which is selected to maintain the battery at a substantially fully charged state by compensating for any battery self-discharge and/or any parasitic load.
  • the intermittent current flow is provided as a pulsed current flow having a charging pulse frequency selected at between about 1 ⁇ 4 second and 10 seconds, and typically 1 to 5 seconds.
  • the power generation assembly 34 may fail to provide sufficient energy input into the battery to reach either target energy input (AH projected ) 100% state of charge during initial charging and/or calculated absorption charge (AH ab ).
  • AH projected target energy input
  • AH ab absorption charge
  • the charge controller 40 continues during the discharge period to sense the level of the depth of battery discharge (DOD) the charge controller 40 preferably continues to output to the CPU 14 signals representative of the state of battery charging and/or discharge, with the CPU 14 monitoring the amp-hour discharge hour (AH discharge ) up until the commencement of the next charging period occurring at the next sunrise.
  • DOD depth of battery discharge
  • the charge controller 40 is most preferably operable to output to the CPU 14 signals which permit the determination of the total amp-hour discharge (AH discharge ).
  • the controller 40 is further operated to verify circuit impedance for integrity and/or degradation.
  • the controller 40 measures the charging current and whole network voltage measured during on-charging intervals and compares the measured voltage with the battery voltage (V BAT ) during off-charging intervals according to
  • I CHARGE represents the current input into the battery 28 during the on-charging interval.
  • the R value thus represents a connection/wire loss valve for the individual light pole 20 .
  • the R value may be then compared against preselected threshold loss values representative of one or more pre-identified fault conditions.
  • the system may be operable to sense battery temperatures at discharge or other points of time as a further compensating factor for temperature dependent battery charging capacity charges.
  • the present system may equally be applied to a number of different types of autonomously powered devices which incorporate a rechargeable battery and solar and/or wind turbine generator which in use, provide a variable charging power source.
  • the present system could be used in autonomously powered security/video monitoring stations, weather and/or environmental monitoring stations, highway and/or traffic signs, bike rental installations, parking meters, and telecommunications installations such as cellular power or the like.
  • each of the light poles 20 could be provided with an internally housed, dedicated central processing unit which is adapted to receive either remotely or directly input data representative of the rechargeable battery age.
  • the central processor unit could be provided with program instructions to automatically calculate and/or update the battery age following either initial activation of the light pole, or following any battery replacement or substitution.
  • the charged controller as used to regulate a limited or low current charging flow to battery 28
  • the present invention is not so limited. It is envisioned that the charge controller and method disclosed herein may also be used to regulate higher current intermittent charging to larger battery storage arrays, which for example are used for whole home off-grid household energy supply or large scale industrial energy storage for use with commercial solar or industrial wind turbine energy production.
  • V AB is the target absorption voltage for a selected operating temp T 1
  • V float is the target float voltage for a selected operating temp-T 2
  • C F is the charge factor that adjusts battery voltage according to its operating temperature
  • T OP is the actual battery operating temp being read via the temperature probe
  • Absorption Voltage V AB [T] is used to trigger transition from Stage 1 ‘Bulk Charge’ to Stage 2 ‘Absorption Charge’
  • V AB [T] V AB + CF 1 (T 1 ⁇ T OP )
  • Float Voltage V F [T] is the target battery voltage that the batter is regulated to in the Float Stage #3
  • V float [T] V float + CF 2 (T 2 ⁇ T OP )
  • AH the accumulated battery energy measured by using real time 1 second avg battery current ⁇ 1 second/60
  • V AB ⁇ is a selected value to control the reconnect of the input source to charge the batter in the absorption stage K—is a selected constant that will be

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
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PCT/CA2016/000172 WO2016205921A1 (fr) 2015-06-26 2016-06-20 Système et procédé permettant de charger des dispositifs alimentés de manière autonome au moyen d'une source de puissance variable

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CA2989192C (fr) 2023-07-25
EP3314750B1 (fr) 2020-10-07
US20180175661A1 (en) 2018-06-21
EP3314750A1 (fr) 2018-05-02
CA2989192A1 (fr) 2016-12-29

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